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Lewis Hamilton has retired early in Australian Grand Prix after what appeared to be an engine problem. Lewis Hamilton's start to the new Formula One season lasted just three laps before the championship favourite was forced to retire because of a 'misfiring cylinder'.

From the 32nd pole position of his career ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton was passed on the run down to the first corner at Melbourne's Albert Park by Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg and Daniel Ricciardo on his debut for Red Bull.

On the opening lap McLaren's Kevin Magnussen dropped Hamilton to fourth, and it was clear the 29-year-old was struggling with his car. On lap two Hamilton was then informed by race engineer Pete Bonnington to stop the car and save the engine

Marussia test driver Maria De Villota is conscious after suffering what were initially described as "life-threatening injuries" in a test crash earlier today.

The 32-year-old Spaniard crashed into a support truck and it is understood she has been receiving treatment for head and face injuries.

"Maria is conscious and medical assessments are ongoing. The team will await the outcome of these assessments before providing further comment. The team's first priority at this time is Maria and her family."

At approximately 09.15am, the Marussia F1 Team's test driver, Maria De Villota, had an accident in the team's MR-01 race car at Duxford Airfield where she was testing the car for the first time. The accident happened at the end of her first installation run and involved an impact with the team's support truck. Maria has been transferred to hospital. Once her medical condition has been assessed, a further statement will be issued.

– Marussia spokesperson

The F1 Marussia Cosworth team are based in Banbury and there is further coverage on this story at ITV Meridian.